Obama Issues Gay Pride Month Proclamation

Obama Issues Gay Pride Month Proclamation

For the fourth straight year, President Obama has issued a proclamation recognizing June as Gay Pride Month, saying "more remains to be done" in advancing gay issues and for the first time acknowledging his support for gay marriage within a proclamation, Baptist Press reports. Obama's latest proclamation lists his achievements for the gay community, such as signing a repeal of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and signing a hate crimes bill that encompasses "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." The proclamation reads: "Because we must treat others the way we want to be treated, I personally believe in marriage equality for same-sex couples. ... Moving forward, my administration will continue its work to advance the rights of LGBT Americans. ... I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people." Bob Stith of the Southern Baptist Convention's Task Force on Ministry to Homosexuals says Obama is wrong to assert that opposition to homosexuality equals prejudice. "President Obama again casts all those who have a genuine, biblically-based belief that homosexual acts are sin as haters," Stith said, adding that Obama framing the legalization of same-sex marriage as ridding the country of prejudice did not bode well for traditional Christians.